Qigong program for managing pain in people with spinal cord injuries
Official title: HAPPINESS: cHAnging the Perceived Pain INtEnSity in Populations With Spinal Cord Injury and With Health Disparities: A Feasibility Study
Run by University of Minnesota · NCT06140355 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a 12-week online Qigong program to see if it can help adults with spinal cord injuries manage their chronic pain better.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Minnesota Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Miami, Florida and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 20, 2024 |
| Main results expected | January 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | January 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06140355 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with spinal cord injuries experiencing neuropathic pain rated 4 or above on a pain scale.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with uncontrolled seizure disorders, cognitive impairments, or those currently practicing Tai Chi or Qigong regularly may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the feasibility of a 12-week remote Qigong program aimed at reducing chronic neuropathic pain in adults with spinal cord injuries. Participants engage in Qigong practices through online videos, with the goal of improving their pain management. The study previously showed promising results, with significant pain reduction observed after the intervention and sustained benefits at follow-up. The program is designed to be accessible for individuals with spinal cord injuries, requiring only internet access and basic technology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could provide a non-pharmacological approach to significantly reduce pain for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with Qigong for pain management, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18+ years old * medically stable * with neuropathic pain 4 or above on the numeric pain rating scale + screened with painDETECT * willing to participate in a remote Qigong intervention (from any location with internet connection) * fluent in English or Spanish * access to the internet and a computer/iPad or smartphone Exclusion Criteria: * uncontrolled seizure disorder * cognitive impairment and/or communicative disability (e.g., due to brain injury) preventing them from following directions or from learning * ventilator dependency * major medical complications * pressure ulcers hindering prolonged sitting or lying down * (planning to become) pregnant or planning a major surgery during the study (given study duration, regular Qigong practice, and frequent check-ins) * regular Tai Chi or Qigong practice in the past 6 months (3x/week or more) * currently engaged in other rehabilitation programs that would influence outcomes
Where it's running
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States Recruiting -
University of Miami
Miami, Florida, United States Not yet recruiting -
University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley
Harlingen, Texas, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ann Van de Winckel, PhD, MSPT, PT — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Ann Van de Winckel, PhD, MSPT, PT
- Email: avandewi@umn.edu
- Phone: 612-625-1191
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.